New York City-based theater producer, composer and pianist John McDaniel will serve as guest conductor when the Stamford Symphony Orchestra and singers Anne Runolfsson and Doug LaBrecque present "Sounds of the Season," at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. For performance times and ticket information, visit www.scalive.org or call 203-325-4466. less

New York City-based theater producer, composer and pianist John McDaniel will serve as guest conductor when the Stamford Symphony Orchestra and singers Anne Runolfsson and Doug LaBrecque present "Sounds of the ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Singer Anne Runolfsson will be one of two vocalists joining the Stamford Symphony Orchestra for its "Sounds of the Season" concert at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. Other performers include singer Doug LaBrecque and guest conductor John McDaniel. For performance times and ticket information, visit www.scalive.org or call 203-325-4466. less

Singer Anne Runolfsson will be one of two vocalists joining the Stamford Symphony Orchestra for its "Sounds of the Season" concert at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Singer Doug LaBrecque will be one of two vocalists joining the Stamford Symphony Orchestra for its "Sounds of the Season" concert at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. Other performers include singer Anne Runolfsson and guest conductor John McDaniel. For performance times and ticket information, visit www.scalive.org or call 203-325-4466. less

Singer Doug LaBrecque will be one of two vocalists joining the Stamford Symphony Orchestra for its "Sounds of the Season" concert at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, Saturday, Dec. 1, and Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. ... more

Photo: Contributed Photo

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Stamford symphony celebrates season with some pops

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The Stamford Symphony Orchestra, along with a trio of guests, will be presenting a holiday concert this weekend that will feature a program of classic holiday tunes and Broadway favorites, ranging from traditional to the contemporary.

"It's going to be a great concert for families, for everybody to just come and enjoy," said John McDaniel, who is serving as the guest conductor.

A New York City-based theater producer, composer and pianist, he also plans to take his place at the piano for a couple of songs.

McDaniel, a Tony Award-winning arranger, will be joined by Anne Runolfsson and Doug LaBrecque, who bring years of Broadway success with them, as well as a tradition of holiday pops.

All three will join the symphony for two concerts, aptly named "Sounds of the Season," at the Palace Theatre in Stamford, including an evening show Saturday, Dec. 1, and a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 2.

Once a musical tradition with the symphony, this is the first time in about 10 years that the organization will present such an event. On Sunday, Dec. 2, there also will be a Christmas tea prior to the show.

McDaniel -- a Grammy and Emmy award-winner who has worked with Rosie O'Donnell, Patti LuPone, Betty Buckley and Tyne Daly -- said there is sure to be plenty of holiday music during the season, but the chance to hear it played and sung live is a treat.

"Christmas music does such magical and emotional things, it can take us back to a memory," he said. "There is a tangible feeling you get simply from the music."

The live experience, he said, makes it so much richer.

Runolfsson, who has performed in "Phantom of the Opera," "Victor/Victoria" "Les Miserables," "Cyrano -- The Musical" and other productions over the course of her 25-year career said she expects that the audience will be having as much fun as the performers.

"It's really such beautiful music and I feel honored to do it," said Runolfsson, who lives in Westchester County, N.Y. "I think it is going to be a spectacular show."

The program is expected to include such old-time favorites as "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," as well as such new classics as Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You."

"It is such an indescribable experience, to sing with a symphony orchestra," said Runolfsson, who also is looking forward to performing with her friends. "It think it is going to be a blast. There are some really fun arrangements."

Runolfsson and McDaniel are old friends and Runolfsson has known LaBrecque for many years, as well. Both of them worked together in "Les Miserables" at the start of their careers and have performed together in the years since, including holiday concerts.

LaBrecque, a former Midwesterner, who now lives in New York City, has traveled across the world with his talents, performing at thousands of concerts. He also has appeared on Broadway in "The Phantom of the Opera," "Showboat" and other productions

LaBrecque, who has a busy December coming up himself, said he hopes the concert serves as a peaceful and joyous start to a season that can become quite frenetic.

"It can get out of hand," he said, laughing. "I hope people bring their kids, sit back and just enjoy the sounds of the symphony, the sounds of the season.